7th February 2025
Make a Donation

Tumaini Initiative: Govt team concerned about opposition’s rebranding to UPA

Author: Obaj Okuj | Published: January 21, 2025

Pagan Amum, the head of SSOMA (right) and Kuol Manyang, the head of government delegation greet at the venue of the Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi. December 4, 2024. (Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio).

The transitional government delegation headed by Gen. Kuol Manyang has raised concerns about the newly formed United People’s Alliance (UPA), questioning its impact on the ongoing Tumaini peace process.

United People’s Alliance (UPA), a coalition of opposition groups, was officially announced on 9th January – a week into the resumption of the final phase of the peace negotiations.

Government delegation spokesperson Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro states that the timing and nature of United People’s Alliance (UPA)’s formation could undermine the progress made in previous agreements.

He said the government delegation questioned whether it was still negotiating with the SSOMA group or with a new movement called United People’s Alliance, which according to him, is a political military organization.

“We want to be sure that we are negotiating with the same people or different people, because the protocols that were developed, were developed on the basis of opposition and other groups,” Lomuro said in a press briefing.

“We heard explanation, over-explanation from the opposition that the UPA is not a military organization, but that it is the same group of armed forces that were in SSOMA as well as the other groups, and all they have done is united themselves.”

“We raised this concern as well, that this movement was formed in Nairobi, in Kenya, and we did not hear any reaction from the government of the Republic of Kenya, and that is concerning to us.”

The government has requested a response from the Kenyan authorities regarding the formation of United People’s Alliance (UPA) in Nairobi.

Dr. Lomuro emphasized that such developments must align with the principles of the peace process to avoid destabilizing South Sudan.

Formerly known as the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA), the coalition re-branded the party on 9th January 2025, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace agreement.

UPA comprises four groups namely; the Real – Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (R-SPLM), South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A); South Sudan United People Liberation Front (UNPLF); and National Salvation Front – Revolutionary Command Council (NAS-RCC) have decided to consolidate our unity.

On his part, the Deputy Chief Mediator Amb. Mohammed Ali downplayed the potential impact of UPA formation on the talks, stating that the alliance was formed for administrative purposes.

“The opposition communicated officially this morning to the mediation about the formation of United People Alliance. In our estimation, it will not have impact on the mediation process,” Mr. Ali said.

“As far as the opposition is concerned, this was done for administrative purpose, in order for coordination, for seamless communication within the group.”

According to him, the mediation has no issue with internal reorganization of parties as long as such processes are peaceful and focused to the peace negotiation.

“No destabilization or disruption of lives of the people and livelihood and the government of South Sudan. We have made it clear to everyone to ensure that peace is maintained and that as mediation, we adhere to our rules of engagement.”

 

Support Eye Radio, the first independent radio broadcaster of news, information & entertainment in South Sudan.

Make a monthly or a one off contribution.

Breaking News

South Sudan declares Mpox outbreak

Read more...
Share